Join Ideas Into Action and the Halsey Institute as we explore four topics of concern in Charleston that have something in common: systemic racism as a root cause.

Over the month of June and into early July, we’ve hosted four luncheons at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art in conjunction with current exhibit CRY JOY PARK—GARDENS OF DARK AND LIGHT by artist Jennifer Wen Ma. Inspired by the history of Charleston, Jennifer’s installation dramatically explores the juxtaposition between paradise and oppression. Each event focuses on a single area of concern: education, food access, land & affordable housing issues, and reentry from prison into society. Jennifer worked closely with Jessica Boylston of Ideas Into Action to develop the themes and guest lists, which include members of the greater Charleston community working on these issues.

Now we want to open the conversation to all and share what we have learned! Tina Singleton, social justice coordinator for YWCA Greater Charleston and coordinator of its frequently sold-out Racial Equity Institute training workshops, will start us off with some eye-opening racial equity concepts and surprising stats from the Avery Institute’s disparity report. Other panelists will include guests from the four luncheons, who will fill us in on the social justice discussions at each one.

We highly recommend visiting CRY JOY PARK—GARDENS OF DARK AND LIGHT, on view through July 6, prior to attending our session.

A special thanks to representatives from the following organizations for their hard work and attendance:

Education: Kids On Point, Yo Art!, Charleston Hope, Tricounty Cradle to Career, Charleston County School Board, Mitchell Elementary

Land Issues: Charleston Moves, Charleston Housing Authority, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, SC Community Loan Fund, Metanoia, Low Country Alliance for Model Communities, Housing for all of Mount Pleasant, We Build Foundation, R3, Inc, Enough Pie

Reentry from Prison: Turning Leaf, Fresh Start, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Ninth District Solicitor’s Office

Food Justice: Lowcountry Street Grocery, Grow Food Carolina, Stone Soup Collective, Green Heart Project, Transformation Table